CityWest Applauds Announcement to Extend Fibre-Optic Network Across North

Mar 13, 2018

After the federal and provincial governments announced funding to improve Internet services to communities east of Houston, CityWest said it was proud to be a part of another huge infrastructure project.

The $8 million project will provide backbone Internet services to communities in the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. CityWest has been given conditional approval for funding to undertake building the fibre infrastructure for the project.

“As a company that was built in the North, we know first-hand the challenges that our customers face, which is why we invest heavily in many areas of the North to bring Internet to under-served areas,” said Chris Marett, CEO of CityWest. “With this announcement, the governments of Canada and British Columbia have opened the door to allow even more residents and businesses in the North to access fast, reliable Internet.”

The communities serviced will include Lake Babine, Topley Landing, the Stellat’en First Nation, and Wet’suwet’en Village (a full list of communities is below).

“Access to high-speed Internet is not a luxury; it’s essential,” said Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development at the announcement. “High-speed Internet service is a basic tool that all Canadians should have access to, regardless of their postal code. Canadians need this service to do business, upgrade their education and build stronger communities. Thanks to our Connect to Innovate program, more Canadians will be able to participate fully in the digital economy.”

The project is set to start later this year with more detailed studies and engagement. It is anticipated to take three years to complete with phased construction.

“Alongside the recently-announced undersea fibre-optic network, which will run from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island, this is yet another example of CityWest expanding its network beyond its current footprint in its mission to provide a superior customer experience,” said Marett.

“I am proud to be a part of this announcement and highlight this important project which is a partnership between the Federal Government, the Province of British Columbia and CityWest, and will help bring high-speed internet to the people living in these remote, Indigenous and First Nations communities,” said British Columbia’s Minister of Citizens’ Services Jinny Sims. “This funding will mean better access to vital services like health care, education and emergency response, as well as expanded opportunities to participate in our growing digital economy.”